The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has released the latest data on Rabi crop area coverage up to January 9, 2026, indicating a significant increase in sowing across major crops compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
According to official figures, the total area under Rabi crops has reached 644.29 lakh hectares, reflecting an increase of 17.65 lakh hectares over the area recorded during the same period in the 2024–25 season. The expansion in acreage highlights steady progress in the ongoing Rabi season and improved sowing conditions across several regions.
Wheat continues to dominate Rabi sowing, with the area under the crop rising to 334.17 lakh hectares, registering an increase of 6.13 lakh hectares compared to last year. This growth underscores favourable climatic conditions and strong farmer preference for wheat cultivation during the current season.
Pulses have also recorded notable growth, with the total area increasing by 3.74 lakh hectares to reach 136.36 lakh hectares. Among pulses, gram (chickpea) showed the most significant expansion, with sowing rising by 4.66 lakh hectares to 95.88 lakh hectares, indicating renewed farmer interest in the crop. Lentil acreage also increased marginally, while some pulses such as urdbean, moongbean, fieldpea, and kulthi witnessed minor declines.
The area under Shri Anna and coarse cereals stood at 55.20 lakh hectares, showing an increase of 2.03 lakh hectares. Within this category, maize and barley registered positive growth, while jowar recorded a slight reduction in area compared to the previous year.
Oilseeds sowing has shown encouraging trends, with the total area rising by 3.53 lakh hectares to 96.86 lakh hectares. Rapeseed and mustard, the key Rabi oilseed crops, accounted for the largest share, with acreage increasing by 2.79 lakh hectares. Groundnut, safflower, sunflower, and linseed also recorded moderate gains, although sesamum acreage declined marginally.
Overall, the latest Rabi sowing data reflects stable and broad-based growth across major crop categories, supported by timely sowing, adequate soil moisture, and favourable policy support. The increase in area under wheat, pulses, and oilseeds is expected to strengthen foodgrain availability and contribute positively to farm incomes in the coming months.
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